Administration

Dr. Erik Bentzel, Superintendent

I am honored to serve as your Superintendent. As of 2017, I will be entering my 19th year in education. Prior to working in education I was an application engineer, radio personality, and a member of the United States Army. I am a husband, father of twin girls, and caretaker for our five rescue dogs. We live within the district with my girls attending Lickdale Elementary.

My teaching experience is in math and science at the high school and college levels. I began teaching at York City School District. During my 19 years, I have also been a Dean of Students at the high school level, assistant principal and principal at the elementary level, PIMS/Data and Director of Technology at the central office level. Most recently, I served as the Assistant Superintendent at Conrad Weiser Area School District.

My educational philosophy is straightforward; all learners will be taught according to their individual needs. We will consistently evaluate for both weaknesses and strengths and then provide an individualized learning path that aligns to the PA Core Standards. I look forward to living in the community, getting to know everyone, and becoming a Viking.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns at (717) 865-2117.

Mr. Edward J. Skoczen, Jr, Assistant Superintendent

I am coming from the Conrad Weiser Area School District where I served as the Director of Special Education for 11+ years. Previous to that my professional career had me employed as a special educator for 14 years in Reading and Muhlenberg school districts. I have also served as an Associate Dean of Students at Albright College so my professional experiences have been in both the private and public sectors.

My education background includes degrees from Lock Haven University, Southern Illinois University, Penn State University and Wilkes University where I received my superintendent certification.
I am looking forward to providing support, guidance and administration over a variety of departments and specialty areas here at Northern Lebanon including special education, gifted support, Title I services, professional development and other areas of programming and instruction.

As I write this brief biography after not quite spending three weeks in the district I am excited for the opportunity ahead and look forward to working with the staff and entire Viking community. To the individuals who I have met on a personal level in this short span of time, I thank you for your warm welcome and support.
Wishing everyone a great year moving forward!!

Mrs. Jennifer Hassler

Mrs. Jennifer Hassler is excited to be joining the Northern Lebanon school community. She begins her time at Northern Lebanon with almost 25 years of experience as a teacher and administrator. Mrs. Hassler spent many years as a teacher at various grade levels and roles. She then transitioned to administration where she has enjoyed leadership opportunities and learning experiences.

Mrs. Hassler received her Bachelor Degree from Millersville University in Elementary Education. She then furthered her educational career by receiving a Master’s Degree of Education from Pennsylvania State University. Additionally, Jennifer worked on multiple certifications at Alvernia University and received a Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility from California University of Pennsylvania.

Mrs. Hassler and her husband Brent have two high school aged children. They enjoy games, reading, sports, and traveling together.

Mr. Bradly Reist, Middle School Principal

Brad Reist was a teacher at Northern Lebanon High School 2003 - 2013. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Education and Master of Business Administration from Shippensburg University. His Master of Education with Principal Certification was earned from Cabrini College. His teaching experience includes computer applications, accounting, small business management, and multiple levels of broadcast journalism in the business education department.

Prior to becoming the Middle School Principal he served as the High School Assistant Principal for two years.
He and his wife, Michelle, have two active sons which keep them busy. His personal goals include earning his doctoral degree and superintendent’s letter of eligibility.

In addition to his school and family life Mr. Reist is an active volunteer in his community where he serves as a Local Emergency Management Coordinator.

Mr. Ben Wenger, Assistant High School Principal

Benjamin Wenger has served in the Northern Lebanon School District since 2009. His positions have included 2nd grade, 6th grade, 8th grade communication arts and history, and elementary principal. He was named assistant principal of the high school on July 1, 2015

Mr. Wenger and his wife, Lindsey, continue to pursue their love of learning as they read books together and further their academic careers. They also enjoy playing competitive sports and games. In June 2016, they were blessed with a son, Dashael Lee. They are excited to see what is in store for their newly expanded family!

Dr. Melissa McInerney, Elementary Principal East Hanover & Lickdale

Dr. Melissa McInerney has been a principal with Northern Lebanon since 2004. She is currently the principal at East Hanover Elementary School. She obtained various levels of education through Millersville University, Penn State University, and Widener University.

Dr. McInerney is the Federal Programs Coordinator for the district and is also the district testing coordinator.
She enjoys playing competitive volleyball with her family and staying active as an indoor cycling instructor at a local fitness center.

Mr. John Rizzo Elementary Principal, Jonestown

Mr. Rizzo became part of the Northern Lebanon family in July 2015 and will start his first year as Principal at Jonestown Elementary. Prior to his new role, he served as Assistant Principal, Social Studies Teacher and Behavior/Emotional Support teacher.
Graduating from Lebanon Valley College in 2005 with a Bachelors Degree.

Mr. Rizzo also played college basketball for the Dutchmen. He earned his Masters and Educational Leadership degrees from Alvernia University, and has also spent 10 years coaching high school and college basketball.

Mr. Rizzo has two children, Christian (5) and Gabriel (2), and just finished his first season coaching Christian’s T-ball team in the Northern Lebanon Little League. Besides coaching and playing with his boys, he still enjoys playing basketball, golfing, staying active, and hiking with his yellow lab Sadie.

Mr. William Vogt, Elementary Principal, Fredericksburg

Mrs. Leanne Martin, Director of Business Affairs

Leanne Martin became a part of the Northern Lebanon administrative team in March 2015. Prior to coming to NL, she spent three years at the Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Company and six years with TE Connectivity in various finance and accounting roles.

Ms. Martin is a 2001 graduate from Northern Lebanon, and a 2005 graduate from Widener University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in economics. She also obtained a Master’s in Business Administration from Pennsylvania State University.
Leanne and her husband have two children, Bryce and Adelyn. She enjoys traveling with her family and reading books in her spare time.

Mr. Tom McGee, Technology Facilitator

Tom McGee serves as the district Technology Facilitator. Tom spent 13 years as a classroom teacher and instructional technology specialist with the Lower Merion School District. Tom is a recognized Apple Distinguished Educator and Keystone Technology Integrator.

In 2010, Tom Joined the Apple Education team in Cupertino, CA leading K12 initiatives in iPads and Apple technology. Upon moving back to the east coast, Tom began leading and consulting with schools aspiring to transform educational technology initiatives.

Tom directed teacher professional development programs such as the Pennsylvania Keystone Technology
Innovators program and STEM Camp Edu.

Tom holds a Master's Degree from St. Joseph's University in K12 Instructional Technology and is in pursuit of his K12 Administration Certification at Kutztown University. Tom enjoys being a dad, husband, and is a Philly sports enthusiast!

Mr. David Yavoich, Dean of Students

David Yavoich was named the Director of Athletics in July of 2015. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from The College of New Jersey, a Master's of Education Degree in Curriculum Development from Bloomsburg University, a Principal certification from Shippensburg University, and a Superintendent Letter of Eligibility certification from California University of Pennsylvania. He is also certified as a mathematics teacher and an Instructional Technology Specialist.

Prior to his current position, he has had the privilege to serve as the Northern Lebanon Middle School Principal for twelve years. He has also held positions as a K-12 administrator, assistant high school principal, classroom teacher, technology coordinator, and computer analyst.
Mr. Yavoich and his wife, Grace, have been residents of the Northern Lebanon School District for over 32 years.

Their four sons are graduates of Northern Lebanon. He currently serves on the Union Township Planning Commission and attends Lebanon Area Evangelical Free church in Jonestown. His interests include spending time with his family including two grandchildren, playing tennis, shooting pool, and hunting.

Mr. Mason Brehm, Acting Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds

Mr. Matt Zeller, Transportation Manager

Mr. Zeller is a lifelong resident of Lebanon County and currently resides in Lebanon with his wife and three children. He graduated from ELCO High School and attended Randolph-Macon College in Ashland Virginia where he pursued a degree in mathematics.
In 1981 he began as a bus driver and in 1992 he and his wife purchased three buses from a local operator. Their fleet has grown since that time and now includes more than 30 buses, minibuses, and vans serving students in Lancaster and Lebanon counties.

Mr. Zeller is a member of the Pennsylvania School Bus Association, the National Student Transportation Association, and the Lebanon County PennDOT Customer Advisory Board.
Matt enjoys hunting, fishing, camping with his family, and spending time at the beach. He is an avid soccer fan, playing and coaching from the youth to adult level throughout his life. He and his family are members of Grace United Church of Christ in Richland where he sings in the choir and serves on the church council.